1929 Breather Valve

[ChrisE]

I'm trying to make some sense out of my breather valve, 1929 Long 4. I am not sure if mine has been butchered or damaged. When we got the car back, it had a plastic washing-up scrubber stuffed in there (no 'valve') and for years I've been trying to make sense of it. Does anyone have a photo of the casting in 'perfect' condition so I can see what it is supposed to look like? Photos below of mine and photo from the manual. On mine, the central threaded hole is mangled (unusable) and the smaller holes all merge into one. Also the oil return hole is pretty big. What dia should that be? There is loads of air going up/down that as it's about 6mm dia. I am guessing 2mm would be more appropriate?

Also what thickness is the leather? I have some 1mm and some 4mm leather and finally what thickness the star-spring-steel? I don't know if these are something in JCC Spares stock? I am wondering if JCC would have a spare full assembly so that i can put the correct one on if that allows me to send our original one away, get it repaired and then give the other one back to JCC - maybe a thought??


Thanks, Chris

[David Kemp]

If it is like a Bradford you are missing the steel plate that the sheet metal vanes are attached too

[ChrisE]

Thanks David,

do you have photographs, measurements, etc of the various parts and assembles/disassembled so that I can try and recreate it?

Thanks

[ChrisE]

I have managed to cobble something up, which works for now, as it lifts about 10” (250mm) of engine oil (not 12” minimum of Redex, as described in the manuals) however it is far from original and I have no idea how long it will last. I really want to change this for whatever the original ‘design’ was along with a correct size for the oil hole, so that everything is ‘correct’.

Thanks, Chris

[ChrisE]

Please do people have photographs of their valve dismantled and a measurement of the oil drain hole (diameter) in the casting? We're still using oil and it's difficult to see where it might be happening. I still think that someone, some time, has taken a drill to the casting and made what is now a problem.

I wonder too if JCC have a spare to buy that might help?

Thanks
Chris

[Tony Fearn]

Hi Chris.
It may be a little late to suggest this, but there will surely be some vintage Jowetts at the Rally in Huddersfield next weekend.
If you aren't already booked in, perhaps attend on the static rally day, when you will be able to see the vintage Jowetts, and put questions to their owners.
Take a camera/smart phone and a pencil and paper.
Regards,
Tony.